1. What Goes Around Comes Around
When we think of yoga we may envision a physical practice in which people study the yoga postures as part of a fitness program. However, that form of yoga, called Hatha yoga, is only one of many yogas that comprise the broader yoga tradition. All yogas are paths toward union of the self with the greater whole, whether defined as God, Spirit or by some other name. Karma yoga is the path of action or service. According to the law of karma, the accumulated effects of our actions shape our lives and our futures. In other words, we reap what we sow.
2. Do Your Best
Although Karma yoga is the path of action, it requires also that we practice non-attachment to the results of our actions. Non-attachment is a concept widespread in Eastern spiritual and philosophical systems. One way to look at it is doing your best and trying your hardest without worrying about the outcome. We can only do our best, even though the results may not be perfect.
3. Follow a Path of Selfless Service
Karma yoga is also sometimes called the path of selfless service, because service to others is one of the ways to accumulate good karma. Service includes anything from volunteer and charity work to acting as a good friend and neighbor or helping more around the house. In the practice of Karma yoga it is important to serve without selfish motives. If we serve for material gain or to make ourselves feel like better people, then we are not practicing selflessness. This is really another form of non-attachment to the results of action.
4. The Glass Is Half Full
On the path of Karma yoga, thought is also action. Jealousy, hatred and hostile feelings accumulate negative karma even when we do not act on them physically. Non-attachment plays a role here also, because part of Karma yoga is learning to let go of these negative thoughts and feelings so that our lives are no longer burdened by them.
5. Meditate on Compassion
Meditation is a useful tool in the practice of Karma yoga. In meditation one can practice letting go of thoughts and feelings that interfere with actions. As the stressors of work, family and other obligations slip away there is room in the heart for compassion. If you practice meditation, over time you will learn to carry with you the sensation of meditation even when you are carrying out the actions of your daily life. This will carry you far along the Karma yoga pathway.
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